Profession theatre technician

Theatre technicians execute all technical tasks to support live performances. They build and break down stages and decors, install and operate sound, light, recording and video equipment and organise the transport of decors and technical equipment for performances on displacement.

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Personality Type

Skills

  • Fit up sound on stage

    Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.

  • Assemble performance equipment

    Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.

  • Operate follow spots

    Operate follow spots during a live performance based on visual cues or documentation.

  • Operate stage movement control system

    Operate control systems for stage movement, e.g. flying mechanisms. Use manual or electric systems.

  • Distribute control signals

    Distribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.

  • Install lighting

    Set up, connect and test lighting equipment in a live performance environment.

  • Draw up lighting plan

    Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

  • Handle scenic elements during rehearsal

    Handle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.

  • Operate dimmer equipment

    Set up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.

  • Assemble truss constructions

    Use trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.

  • Operate an audio mixing console

    Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.

  • Assemble the rehearsal set

    Put together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.

  • Dismantle the rehearsal set

    Take apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.

  • Follow time cues

    Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.

  • Set up equipment in a timely manner

    Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

  • De-rig electronic equipment

    Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

  • Assemble scenic elements on stage

    Assemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents

  • Modify scenic elements during performance

    Change-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.

  • Set up technical stage equipment

    Install mechanical and technical stage equipment. Test the installation to make sure everything is in working order.

  • Focus lighting equipment

    Focus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.

  • Set up follow spots

    Set up and test follow spots in different types of locations.

  • Adjust projector

    Adjust the controls of projection equipment to obtain a clear and well-positioned image.

  • Draw up artistic production

    File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

Optional knowledge and skills

work safely with machines mark the information from the ground plans on the stage area translate artistic concepts to technical designs prevent technical problems with lighting equipment draw stage layouts develop professional network provide power distribution adapt to artists' creative demands safeguard artistic quality of performance support a designer in the developing process prevent fire in a performance environment ensure visual quality of the set organise resources for artistic production interact with actions on stage communicate during show assess power needs manage personal professional development advise client on technical possibilities perform quality control of design during a run prevent technical problems with stage equipment coach staff for running the performance store performance equipment consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production write risk assessment on performing arts production manage technical resources stock follow safety procedures when working at heights technically design a sound system maintain system layout for a production understand artistic concepts prevent technical problems with scenic elements adapt artistic plan to location

Source: Sisyphus ODB